Mariners postgame notes: Gordon gets work in CF, injury updates and more

PEORIA, Ariz. – Some quick notes from the Mariners’ 5-3 loss to the White Sox in Cactus League play Saturday afternoon.

Notebook: Haniger has hand issue; Vogelbach in walking boot

• After not seeing a ball hit his way in his first game in center field Friday, Dee Gordon made four catches against the White Sox. The first was a pop fly hit to shallow center to end the first inning. Gordon was so happy to get that one out of the way he approached Mike Leake in the clubhouse after to give him a big hug and thank him for getting his first big league fly ball.

Feels good to get the first one out of the way. @FlashGJr #MarinersST pic.twitter.com/CgGRIAmUdm

— Mariners (@Mariners) February 24, 2018

The first ball in play the next inning came Gordon’s way as well – this one he had to chase down but did so with no problem.

“He needed action, he got some action so that is a good thing,” Scott Servais said. “He handled them perfectly, got back on them. Just getting the feel for reads off the bat, I’m waiting for that tester play. Today were the easy ones which is a great way to start. Eventually that will come.”

Gordon was pleased with the work he got.

“It was a really high sky so this is probably the toughest day to be out there,” he said. “It was good to get out, catch some fly balls and that was it.”

He found taking the work he has put in this winter and spring to a game was a different experience, however.

“It’s different because if I drop it everybody knows I dropped it. Honestly,” he said.

No such problems Saturday.

“Now you all can just let me be an outfielder and I don’t have to answer any more questions about catching fly balls,” he said with a smile.

There will probably be a couple more questions to answer. As he was talking with the media his phone rang.

“Is that my phone?” he asked. “No way. OK, I am looking at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Alright.”

It would appear he has a phone call to return.

• Standouts besides Gordon?

“(Andrew) Romine has played really well the last two days,” said Servais. “He’s really swung the bat well. I thought (Mike) Marjama did a very nice job behind the plate, and had good at-bats.”

And on the mound?

“Mike Leake, really good. I thought he moved the ball around. I thought (Chase) De Jong threw the ball really good too. I thought Leake and De Jong were really sharp.”

The skipper didn’t mention him, but Evan White, the Mariners’ No. 1 pick in the 2017 draft, lived up to his defensive reputation at first base, making a beautiful stretch and pick on a short-hopped throw from shortstop Zach Vincej. With Ryon Healy out and Daniel Vogelbach hurting, White could see more opportunities to come up from minor league camp and get more time in the big league spring games.

.@Ewhite_19 putting that glove to work.#MarinersST pic.twitter.com/zRLLal549m

— Mariners (@Mariners) February 25, 2018

• Injury updates: Reliever Nick Rumbelow left the game with a cut on his thumb. It was not serious but you are not allowed to put anything on your pitching hand so he had to come out… Vogelbach had further tests on his foot but the results are not yet available. He believes he is dealing with just a bad bruise. He will be out for a minimum of a few days.